A WELSHPOOL firm producing artisan jerky has grew its sales by 300 per cent in 2020

Trailhead Fine Foods benefited from a Welsh Government and EU funded project which helped through a year blighted by the pandemic.

Project HELIX, a pan-Wales strategic initiative, which provides food and drink companies with technical and commercial support, shows it has had an impact of over £161 million since it launched in 2016.

Delivered by Food Innovation Wales, it is a partnership of three food centres across Wales, including Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s Food Technology Centre, which supports businesses across north Wales and parts of mid Wales.

Eligible companies have access to a range of expertise to help them grow and succeed through developing innovative new products, increasing their efficiency and adopting a strategic approach to business.

Amongst the companies in Powys to benefit from the Welsh Government and EU-funded project is Trailhead Fine Foods. The Welshpool-based food company has been producing artisan jerky with responsibly sourced PGI Welsh Beef, marinated using a secret and unique recipe since 2018.

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the past year has been very successful for their Get Jerky products. With a new online shop and new retail customers, their sales have grown by 300 per cent in 2020.

Under Project HELIX, the Food Technology Centre has worked closely with the team at Trailhead Fine Foods to ensure they met the requirements needed to achieve the nationally recognised SALSA (Small and Local Supplier Approval) standard, which has opened new business opportunities for the snack company.

Emma Morris, Trailhead Fine Foods’ Business Development Manager said, “The advice and help the Food Technology Centre has given us has been invaluable. With their help we have been able to retain our SALSA accreditation. Without such accreditation it is difficult for food businesses to grow and it has offered us great opportunities to gain new customers and expand into new markets.

“Not only have they helped us but the relevant documentation has inspired us to take ownership of the process so we can learn and develop. The whole team at the Food Technology Centre has been supportive and helpful. They have been there throughout, reassuring us that we are going down the right path.”

Martin Jardine, Director of Agri Food and Head of the Food Technology Centre, talking about the help available to businesses added, “It is great to see Welsh food and drink manufacturing businesses taking advantage of the technical and commercial support available through Project HELIX during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our team of industry experts are on hand offer critical advice and support for all business, large or small. The food and drink sector is a priority for the Welsh economy and we need to ensure we can help build and grow sustainable businesses for the future.”

To date Project HELIX has had a hugely positive effect on the Welsh food and drink industry including:

· £161 million impact

· 428 jobs created and a further 1749 safeguarded

· 257 business start-ups supported

· 474 businesses assisted

· 660 new markets accessed, and

· 1010 new products developed

The initiative has helped food and drink companies navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic by providing a range of support including mentoring companies through remote food safety audits and helping them capitalise on new consumer trends such as the growth of online retail.

Commenting on the latest output figures from Project HELIX, Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, said, “This latest set of figures from Project HELIX shows the positive effect it continues to have on our vibrant Welsh food and drink industry.

“With its impact of over £161 million, Project HELIX remains at the forefront of the continued growth of the food and drink manufacturing industry in Wales, and its support has directly resulted in the creation and safeguarding of thousands of jobs.

“Throughout the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Project HELIX has helped companies adapt and innovate. I encourage Welsh manufacturers to explore the support opportunities which are available to them through Project HELIX.”

For further information about Project HELIX funded support, visit https://foodinnovation.wales/funded-support/